Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/21004
LEONETTI CELLAR 2008 Merlot, Walla Walla Valley ($70) FIGGINS FAMILY WINE ESTATES MACROSTIE 2008 Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast ($25) MELKA 2007 Métisse, Jumping Goat Vineyard, Napa Valley ($125) MICHAEL-DAVID 2007 Earthquake Zinfandel, Lodi ($28) PALI WINE CO. 2008 Pinot Noir, Fiddlestix Vineyard, Sta. Rita Hills ($44) PEJU 2006 Cabernet Franc, Napa Valley ($45) PELTIER STATION 2009 Hy·brid Pinot Grigio, California ($10) PRATS & SYMINGTON 2007 Chryseia, Douro, Portugal ($73) PREMIUM PORT WINES QUINTA DO VESUVIO 2007 Douro, Portugal ($73) PREMIUM PORT WINES RIDGE VINEYARDS 2007, Monte Bello Estate, California ($145) RUTZ CELLARS 2008 Pinot Noir, Sonoma Cuvée, Sonoma County ($20) SIMPLE MATH CELLARS 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma ($40) ST. AMANT WINERY 2008 Zinfandel, Marian’s Vineyard, Lodi ($24) STAR LANE 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, Astral, Santa Ynez Valley ($80) DIERBERG Most Mysterious CROWN ROYAL BLACK CANADIAN Weighing in at 90 proof, dusky and impressive Crown Royal Black is the latest scion from this revered Canadian whisky family to grace our halls and set tongues a-wagging. Aging in charred American oak casks gives it a smooth richness with toasted oak, creamy texture and a finish longer than a forty-yard pass. Very mellow and nicely balanced with lovely bourbon notes and easy elegance, like our previous alums from the Crown Royal tribe, Crown Royal Black exudes sophistication without pretension, but it also packs punch, with forward flavors that still retain their air of mystery and power of seduction. It’s no mystery that it’s been a huge hit with retailers, who have stocked up on this highly giftable spirit for the holidays. On-premise, bartenders have fallen head-over-heels for the way it works a cocktail like Bacall working Bogart. Try marrying Crown Royal Black with cola for a higher- octane Crown & Coke, or deploy it in classics like the Manhattan or in more complex creations. Sure it’s mixable, but who wouldn’t be content to get warm and fuzzy with this beauty all by itself over ice? We’d say Crown Royal Black is going places. DIAGEO NORTH AMERICA Black Manhattan 1½ oz. Crown Royal Black ½ oz. Carpano Antica Formula vermouth Dash of orange bitters Shake ingredients over ice and strain into a Martini glass. Garnish with a Maraschino cherry. december 2010 / the tasting panel / 41 PHOTO: RYAN LELY